Prince Harry And Meghan Call Out The Harmful Effects Of Social Media On Today’s Youth
At the third annual Project Healthy Minds Gala in New York, Prince Harry and Meghan call out the harmful effects of social media on today’s youth, sparking powerful conversations about online safety and mental health.
Image Credits:Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Project Healthy / Getty Images
As guests sipped prosecco and enjoyed dessert, anticipation filled the room for the final award of the night — Humanitarian of the Year. This year, the honor went to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their work through the Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network, a program that supports families who’ve been deeply impacted by social media’s dark side.
The Emotional Impact Behind The Parents Network
Earlier this year, the couple hosted an emotional event where large smartphone screens displayed the faces of children who had tragically lost their lives — deaths their parents believe were linked to social media. The moment underscored the heartbreaking consequences of unregulated online spaces and the urgent need for accountability.
Through the Parents Network, Harry and Meghan aim to amplify those families’ voices and push for systemic change, offering support to parents navigating the digital age.
Social Media’s Grip On Mental Health
The Project Healthy Minds Gala, organized by the nonprofit Project Healthy Minds, highlighted the growing mental health crisis fueled by technology. The organization offers free access to mental health resources, particularly targeting young people overwhelmed by the pressures of online life.
The following day’s conference delved even deeper, examining how today’s youth experience constant comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic beauty standards — all amplified by social media algorithms.
A Stark Reality From Prince Harry
Taking the stage with Meghan, Prince Harry shared a sobering statistic:
“Let me share a number with you — four thousand. That’s how many families the Social Media Victims Law Center is currently representing.”
His words served as a wake-up call to policymakers, tech companies, and parents alike. The couple’s message was clear — while social platforms connect us, they also have the power to destroy lives if left unchecked.
A Call To Protect The Next Generation
By using their global platform to advocate for digital well-being, Prince Harry and Meghan are urging society to rethink how young people engage online. Their activism through Archewell Foundation continues to spotlight the emotional and psychological toll of social media — reminding the world that protecting children’s mental health is not optional.
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